Mouth cancer is a growing concern in the UK, with this condition linked to approximately 3,000 deaths each year. The disease as well as some of the treatments that may be required to treat advanced cases can affect the comfort and functionality of chewing, speaking, and even breathing. As statistics continue to rise, we find it extremely important to provide our patients with comprehensive dental care, which includes screening for tissue abnormalities. The earlier that mouth cancer is detected and treated, the better the chance of full recovery.

Mouth cancer screenings in our Notting Hill dental practice revolve around the assessment of risk and early detection, before symptoms present. This screening process is a routine aspect of dental care, occurring at each recall visit. The frequency and accuracy with which screenings are performed allow us to get to know each patient and know what to look for, such as lesions in soft tissue or lumps in the mouth, cheek, or neck area. We recommend yearly mouth cancer screenings for our Notting Hill patients.

ARE YOU AT RISK?

The two primary risk factors for mouth cancer are tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Heavy drinkers who consume more than 21 alcoholic beverages each week, as well as those who drink and smoke are at a significant disadvantage when it comes to avoiding damage to oral tissues that could lead to mouth cancer. In addition to these two well-known factors, additional risks include:

Age. Adults over the age of 45 are more commonly diagnosed.

Gender. There is a higher instance of mouth cancer in men than in women.

Ethnicity.

Dietary habits lacking fresh fruits and vegetables.

Long-term irritation of soft tissues from poorly-fit dentures.

Use of medications that suppress the immune system.

HPV infection.

Lichen planus, a condition affecting the cellular lining of the mouth.

Radiation exposure.

Excessive UV exposure increases the risk of cancer on the lips.

In addition to screenings, we encourage patients to schedule a prompt examination of any lumps, sores, or longstanding ulcers in the mouth. Mouth cancer may occur in the smallest sore, so early care is crucial to the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Not every lump, sore, or tumour that develops in the mouth is cancer. Our goal is to identify abnormalities accurately so that our patients may obtain the necessary treatment as quickly as possible.